The Early History of Hughes Memorial Presbyterian Church

In 1926 a small group of farmers and steelworkers became interested in establishing a church. They hoped to use the building which formerly housed the North Point Methodist Episcopal Church on what is now North Point Boulevard. The church was first called the North Point Presbyterian Church after being established on February 20, 1927. From his ministry at the Abbott Memorial Church, the Reverend David Hughes began to make the long trip each Sunday to hold services at the church in North Point. The new church appeared to be well established, but the community was shocked at the sudden death of Reverend Hughes on April 24, 1927.

The church was incorporated as Hughes Memorial Presbyterian Church on August 30, 1927, and the Reverend Rea W. Martin took over the duties at both Abbot Memorial and Hughes Memorial. The inspiring preaching of Rev. Martin, growing membership, and increasing community activities began a time of renewal for our church. A choir began to support the worship services at this time, and the Ladies Aid Society began to take an active role in church activities by distributing Easter presents, sponsoring crab suppers, lawn fetes, and a strawberry festival. By 1934 the congregation boasted a growing membership of 103 members, an average church attendance of 56, and an average weekly offering of $3.65 (a worthy sum for a group still recovering from the Great Depression). Rev. Matin concluded his ministry in 1941.

The Rev. Robert Longaker, pastor of the Sparrows Point Congregation, served as our pastor during this time of transition, and women began to be represented on both the Session and Board of Trustees. During the war Rev. Longaker continued his pastoral duties at both churches, and although attendance dropped during this time the church was still able to support the hospitality house for servicemen in Baltimore. Mr. Longaker completed his ministry in our area in 1945 and the church was serviced by a series of supply ministers sent by the National Missions.

Just thirteen members attended the Congregational Meeting of November 25, 1946 during which the Reverend H.D. Southard was selected as the first full time pastor of our church. Rev. Southard and his wife served as missionaries in Africa for 11 years, and he also served as a Chaplain in the Army. As the new pastor for Hughes Memorial Church, Rev. Southard established a Board of Deacons. On October 15, 1947 a committee was appointed to price lots in the Edgemere Community with the intention of building a new church to house our congregation. During this time Rev. Southard increased the current Sunday School facilities by accepting the donation of a C.C.C. building from Fort Hunt, VA, which was moved here by trucks and volunteers. On November 19, 1948, Thanksgiving Dinner was served after a Worship service and the day was spent working on this new building.

The Youth program continued to be active during this period, and the church sponsored the Girls Scouts and two Brownie troops met at the church. In November, 1949, Boy Scout Troop #427 was established at the church. Due to poor health, Mr. Southard presented his letter of resignation on July 11, 1951, to take affect as soon as a successor was procured.

1952-1957 The Continuing Church

On June 17, 1952 Rev. Leslie L. Lease was installed as pastor of Hughes Memorial. Before coming to us, Rev. Lease and his wife were in the Mission Service in India, and he served churches in Pennsylvania for many years. Rev. Lease encouraged the congregation to work together according to Presbyterian Law, and revised the order of worship. He also established a plan for regular ushers, started the registration of members receiving Communion, and initiated Candlelight Communion and Christmas Eve services.

Under the leadership of Rev. Lease the movement for a new church building was rekindled. The current location on Sparrows Point Road was selected, and the church purchased two lots for the church. Church activities during this time increased, and money was set aside to send young people to the Happy Valley church camp. The Scout troops grew and some church dinners were so popular that people were turned away for lack of space. Hughes Memorial was finally becoming an organized Presbyterian Church with a strong community presence. At this time Rev. Lease left Hughes Memorial and worked in Mission Churches in Maryland until his retirement.

The Rev. Ira W. Marshall was installed on March 18, 1958, and he hoped to strengthen Presbyterian policy while increasing the membership and improving Christian education. The congregation began to start work on the new building construction and the Presbytery gave permission to sell the old church property. The cornerstone of the new church was placed on November 16, 1958. Former minister Rea. W. Martin delivered the sermon that day, and also present were Rev. Lease and Rev. Southard. The services to dedicate the completed building were held during June 7-14, 1959.

On December 28, 1964 the Session requested that the congregation approve the adoption of a Unicameral Session for the church, and on June 15, 1959 smoking was prohibited in any part of the church building.